{To the chief Musician. A Psalm of David.} Free me, O Jehovah, from the evil man; preserve me from the violent man:
Who devise mischiefs in their heart; every day are they banded together for war.
They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.
Keep me, O Jehovah, from the hands of the wicked man, preserve me from the violent man, who devise to overthrow my steps.
The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the way-side; they have set traps for me. Selah.
I have said unto Jehovah, Thou art my God: give ear, O Jehovah, to the voice of my supplications.
Jehovah, the Lord, is the strength of my salvation: thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
Grant not, O Jehovah, the desire of the wicked; further not his device: they would exalt themselves. Selah.
As for the head of those that encompass me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Let burning coals fall on them; let them be cast into the fire; into deep waters, that they rise not up again.
Let not the man of evil tongue be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the man of violence to his ruin.
I know that Jehovah will maintain the cause of the afflicted one, the right of the needy.
Yea, the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name; the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
Canonical academic citations for Psalms 140 (DBT) — copy in your preferred format.
Psalms 140 (DBT). Prime Bible, accessed July 28, 2026. https://primebible.com/dbt/psalms/140.
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Deliver from violent men; snake-tongues; LORD maintains cause of needy.
Communal hymns, liturgical psalms, and post-exilic additions.
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